20,000 Liters of Aglianico del Vulture Wine Seized in Italy Over Labeling and Traceability Violations

Authorities in southern Italy have seized about 20,000 liters of Aglianico del Vulture wine during a recent inspection in the Basilicata region. The operation was carried out by the Carabinieri forestali from the Potenza group, together with inspectors from the Central Inspectorate for Quality Protection and Fraud Repression (ICQRF) of Puglia and Basilicata. The inspections took place in several wineries located in the Vulture area, a well-known zone for producing Aglianico wines with protected geographical indications such as IGP, DOC, and DOCG.

The investigation found that the seized wine, valued at approximately 150,000 euros, was either already bottled or ready for bottling. Inspectors reported that the product was labeled with non-compliant tags and lacked proper documentation to guarantee its traceability. This raised concerns about the authenticity and quality of the wine being prepared for sale.

In addition to the seizure, two local wine producers were reported to judicial authorities. They face charges related to the improper disposal of industrial wastewater generated during grape processing. Both operators received administrative fines totaling around 1,600 euros for failing to obtain required permits for atmospheric emissions from their wineries.

The ongoing inspection campaign is part of a broader effort by Italian authorities to protect the reputation and quality of Aglianico del Vulture wines. Officials say these controls are designed to prevent non-compliant products from entering the market, which can lead to unfair competition and lower overall standards in the sector.

The joint actions between Carabinieri forestali and ICQRF inspectors are seen as an example of institutional cooperation aimed at defending both legal compliance and the integrity of Italian wine production. Authorities have announced that similar checks will continue throughout the autumn season to ensure that only wines meeting strict regulatory standards reach consumers. The initiative underscores Italy’s commitment to safeguarding its agricultural heritage and supporting producers who adhere to established rules.